Patents by Inventor Ulrich Munz

Ulrich Munz has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11669082
    Abstract: A method and system for localizing faults in an industrial process is proposed. The industrial process includes a plurality of components. The method includes receiving structural plant data from an industrial plant. A structured model of the process is generated from the structural plant data. Sensor data measuring characteristics of the plurality of components is also received. Parameters of the structured model are identified from the received sensor data and stored. Faults are detected during operation of the industrial plant utilizing the identified parameters and detecting changes in the parameters by comparing current parameters to stored parameters. The fault information is then displayed via a display to an operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Xiaofan Wu, Ulrich Münz
  • Patent number: 11605946
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for autonomous restoration of power systems after natural disasters. An operating mode of a circuit breaker that is in a power system grid and that is coupled to other circuit breakers in the power system grid via communication channels is determined. Based on determining that the operating mode is a normal operating mode, data to parameterize a plurality of power grid restoration scenarios is collected at the circuit breaker. Based on determining that the operating mode is an exception mode, measurement data that includes current and voltage data is received at the circuit breaker, and one of the power system grid restoration scenarios is initiated at the circuit breaker. The power system grid error restoration scenario is selected based at least in part on a status of the plurality of communication channels coupled to the circuit breaker and on the measurement data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Xiaofan Wu, Ulrich Münz, Joachim Bamberger
  • Patent number: 11113437
    Abstract: A method for designing a product comprising physical hardware and a controller for controlling the physical hardware includes generating a detailed hardware model describing the physical hardware and a controller model corresponding to the controller based on a set of user requirements. An optimal design of the physical hardware and the controller is determined by solving a multi-objective optimization problem comprising a first objective function defining hardware design objectives, and a second objective function defining objectives for the controller model for the physical hardware.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Ulrich Münz, Edward Slavin, III
  • Publication number: 20210232132
    Abstract: A method and system for localizing faults in an industrial process is proposed. The industrial process includes a plurality of components. The method includes receiving structural plant data from an industrial plant. A structured model of the process is generated from the structural plant data. Sensor data measuring characteristics of the plurality of components is also received. Parameters of the structured model are identified from the received sensor data and stored. Faults are detected during operation of the industrial plant utilizing the identified parameters and detecting changes in the parameters by comparing current parameters to stored parameters. The fault information is then displayed via a display to an operator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2019
    Publication date: July 29, 2021
    Inventors: Xiaofan Wu, Ulrich Münz
  • Patent number: 11025089
    Abstract: A power distribution and control system for use with a bulk generation system having transmission and distribution systems, the power distribution and control system including a plurality of microgrids each including a power generation element and a load, a plurality of microgrid controllers each associated with one and only one of the plurality of microgrids, and a first communication network. A high-level controller is operable using the first communication network to communicate with the bulk generation system and each of the plurality of microgrid controllers, the high-level controller operable to coordinate the operation of the microgrids during normal system operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Ulrich Münz, Xiaofan Wu
  • Patent number: 10944265
    Abstract: A method for computer-supported control of the power in an electrical power supply network, including a plurality of nodes which are connected to one another via power lines, each containing a first energy generator and/or a second energy generator and/or an energy consumer is provided. A power estimation is provided for each node, which is composed of an estimation of the future load of the energy consumer and an estimation of the future power of the second regenerative energy generator in the respective node. Fluctuations of a first type of the power estimations for the respective nodes are permitted in a first predetermined tolerance region, and fluctuations of a second type of the power estimations are permitted in a second predetermined tolerance region. The fluctuations of the first type are compensated by primary balancing power and the fluctuations of the second type are compensated by secondary balancing power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Michael Metzger, Ulrich Münz, Philipp Wolfrum
  • Patent number: 10903684
    Abstract: A method for operating a network, such as an automation network, for example, has multiple node devices provided that are networked to one another. There is a global time available, and the node devices record their operating parameters. The operating parameters are allocated to a respective address element as content elements in order to be stored in a tensorial database structure. Control or adaptation of the operation of the network with its node devices and couplings is facilitated thereby. The method is suitable particularly for use in supply networks, automated production installations, communication networks, transport networks and logistical networks. The proposed storing allows easy visualisation, depiction and evaluation of operating states of the network and of its node devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Inventors: Denis Krompaß, Ulrich Münz, Sebnem Rusitschka, Volker Tresp
  • Publication number: 20210013737
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for autonomous restoration of power systems after natural disasters. An operating mode of a circuit breaker that is in a power system grid and that is coupled to other circuit breakers in the power system grid via communication channels is determined. Based on determining that the operating mode is a normal operating mode, data to parameterize a plurality of power grid restoration scenarios is collected at the circuit breaker. Based on determining that the operating mode is an exception mode, measurement data that includes current and voltage data is received at the circuit breaker, and one of the power system grid restoration scenarios is initiated at the circuit breaker. The power system grid error restoration scenario is selected based at least in part on a status of the plurality of communication channels coupled to the circuit breaker and on the measurement data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2018
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Inventors: Xiaofan Wu, Ulrich Münz, Joachim Bamberger
  • Publication number: 20200302096
    Abstract: A method for designing a product comprising physical hardware and a controller for controlling the physical hardware includes generating a detailed hardware model describing the physical hardware and a controller model corresponding to the controller based on a set of user requirements. An optimal design of the physical hardware and the controller is determined by solving a multi-objective optimization problem comprising a first objective function defining hardware design objectives, and a second objective function defining objectives for the controller model for the physical hardware.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2017
    Publication date: September 24, 2020
    Inventors: Ulrich Münz, Edward Slavin, III
  • Publication number: 20200153274
    Abstract: A power distribution and control system for use with a bulk generation system having transmission and distribution systems, the power distribution and control system including a plurality of microgrids each including a power generation element and a load, a plurality of microgrid controllers each associated with one and only one of the plurality of microgrids, and a first communication network. A high-level controller is operable using the first communication network to communicate with the bulk generation system and each of the plurality of microgrid controllers, the high-level controller operable to coordinate the operation of the microgrids during normal system operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2019
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventors: Ulrich Münz, Xiaofan Wu
  • Patent number: 10559959
    Abstract: A multi-generator power plant arrangement, energy supply network having a multi-generator power plant arrangement and method for distributing reactive power generation in a multi-generator power plant arrangement, is provided. A multi-generator power plant arrangement, and also a method for distributing reactive power generation in a multi-generator power plant arrangement, is provided. The control parameters for the controllers of the individual generators of a multi-generator power plant arrangement are thereby calculated individually on the basis of predetermined parameters and transmitted to the controllers of the individual generators. Consequently, the reactive power component to be generated in each case can be individually specified for each generator of a multi-generator power plant arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Joachim Bamberger, Ulrich Münz, Florian Steinke
  • Publication number: 20190296554
    Abstract: Provided is a control apparatus for determining a secondary/tertiary control power of a particular decentralized producer in a power supply system having a multiplicity of power producers, in which a subtractor is present such that a deviation of the locally measured or estimated frequency from the mains frequency is first of all determined, in which an amplifier is present, downstream of which an integrator with a limiter is connected, which, in addition to integration, ensures that a secondary/tertiary control power formed at the output of an integrator is limited, and in which the amplifier has a dead band, and/or the output of the integrator with the limiter is negatively fed back to the input of the integrator with the limiter via a feedback unit in which multiplication by a factor is carried out.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2017
    Publication date: September 26, 2019
    Applicant: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Joachim BAMBERGER, Michael Bernhard BUHL, Ulrich MÜNZ
  • Patent number: 10416620
    Abstract: An electricity grid is provided including an AC electricity grid and a DC electricity grid coupled thereto via a converter, a first load flow in the AC electricity grid is modeled by a first load flow model and a second load flow in the DC electricity grid is modeled by a second load flow model. The converter controls an active power flow between the AC electricity grid and the DC electricity grid in dependence on a grid voltage of the DC electricity grid, wherein this dependence is adjustable in a control characteristic of the converter by a first coupling parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Ulrich Münz, Amer Mesanovic
  • Patent number: 10333347
    Abstract: An electrical grid, using physical operating data of the electrical grid a current operating status of the electrical grid is determined by way of a network model of the electrical grid is provided. A first grid component is controlled as a function of a control signal by a regulator with a grid-component-internal control circuit which is adjustable via control parameters. A first component model of the first grid component is imported to determine a dynamic reaction of the first grid component to the control signal depending on the control parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Ulrich Münz
  • Patent number: 10320192
    Abstract: A method for the computer-assisted configuration of an electrical power grid is provided. Grid forming generating unit nodes are provided in the power grid as first grid nodes and grid-boosting generating unit nodes are optionally provided as second grid nodes. The latter nodes are regenerative energy generation plants such as, for example, photovoltaic systems. In the method, closed-loop control methods and in particular proportional control of the generating unit nodes are set on the basis of a suitable dynamic model of the power grid such that an optimization problem is solved with the aim of optimum operation of the power grid in respect of one or more optimization criteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Joachim Bamberger, Ulrich Münz
  • Patent number: 10298021
    Abstract: A power balance-dependent operating parameter and a surroundings parameter of a first energy source, such as a renewable energy source, are provided. A variable target operating parameter for the first energy source is ascertained dependent on the detected surroundings parameter. The target operating parameter can characterize a first energy source state in which a maximally possible output would be generated under the current given conditions of the surroundings. The operating frequency is then controlled dependent on the detected power balance dependent operating parameter and the ascertained target operating parameter such that a deviation of the operating frequency from a specified frequency is coupled to a deviation of the detected power balance-dependent operating parameter from the ascertained target operating parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Joachim Bamberger, Michael Bernhard Buhl, Ulrich Münz, Florian Steinke, Jeremy Ralph Wiles
  • Patent number: 10193342
    Abstract: Disclosed is a subnetwork controller for a subnetwork within an interconnected grid. The controller controls power generators, subnetworks, or loads of the subnetwork in accordance with sensor-captured internal measured variables and sensor-captured external measured variables as well as external controlled variables of the subnetwork in such a way that a dynamic behavior of the subnetwork in relation to its adjacent subnetworks corresponds to a defined desired behavior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Joachim Bamberger, Ulrich Münz
  • Publication number: 20180301901
    Abstract: A method for computer-supported control of the power in an electrical power supply network, including a plurality of nodes which are connected to one another via power lines, each containing a first energy generator and/or a second energy generator and/or an energy consumer is provided. A power estimation is provided for each node, which is composed of an estimation of the future load of the energy consumer and an estimation of the future power of the second regenerative energy generator in the respective node. Fluctuations of a first type of the power estimations for the respective nodes are permitted in a first predetermined tolerance region, and fluctuations of a second type of the power estimations are permitted in a second predetermined tolerance region. The fluctuations of the first type are compensated by primary balancing power and the fluctuations of the second type are compensated by secondary balancing power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Publication date: October 18, 2018
    Inventors: Michael Metzger, Ulrich Münz, Philipp Wolfrum
  • Publication number: 20180191195
    Abstract: A method for operating a network, such as an automation network, for example, has multiple node devices provided that are networked to one another. There is a global time available, and the node devices record their operating parameters. The operating parameters are allocated to a respective address element as content elements in order to be stored in a tensorial database structure. Control or adaptation of the operation of the network with its node devices and couplings is facilitated thereby. The method is suitable particularly for use in supply networks, automated production installations, communication networks, transport networks and logistical networks. The proposed storing allows easy visualisation, depiction and evaluation of operating states of the network and of its node devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2016
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Inventors: Denis KROMPAß, Ulrich MÜNZ, Sebnem RUSITSCHKA, Volker TRESP
  • Patent number: 9948103
    Abstract: A method for computer-aided control of power in an electrical grid is provided. The electrical grid has a redetermined rated frequency and includes network nodes that are interconnected via power supply lines, each of the nodes supplying power to or drawing power from the electrical grid. At least part of the nodes are provided with proportional controllers, for which a reference power and/or a proportionality factor is set, and which control the power that is supplied or drawn by each network node based on the difference between the frequency of the voltage in each network node and the rated frequency of the electrical grid. The reference power and the proportionality factor of at least some of the proportional controllers are determined on the basis of solving an optimization problem. The stability and robustness of the operation of the electrical grid is optimized without the need for carrying out complex simulations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Chris Oliver Heyde, Ulrich Münz, Rudolf Sollacher